Leon S. Kostas

Kostas Leon S. Kostas, age 94, passed away Monday, March 17, 2014 at the Hospice House, Ft. Wayne, IN. Leon was born Sept. 19, 1919 in Reading, PA to the late Samuel and Argero Kostas of Greece and grew up in Springfield, OH along with his parents. He is preceded in death by his sister Jane Snyder and brother Timothy Kostas. Leon is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen; daughter and son-in-law, Constance and John Giokaris; son, Spiro Kostas; grandsons, Peter Giokaris and David Giokaris; and great-grandson, Johnathan Giokaris. Leon graduated from OMI\Univ. of Cincinnati in 1941 and was a member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus. He served in the army during WWII from 1941 to 1945, first at Fort Knox, KY as permanent cadre, and later in the Pacific. During his service he was awarded the American Defense Ribbon, The Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with four bronze stars, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star and the Bronze Arrowhead Medal, as a tank destroyer support platoon sergeant. Upon discharge from the army, in October, 1945, Leon moved his family to Columbus where he lived until moving to Ft. Wayne in 2011 to be close to his immediate family. He was the owner of Key Laundry and Cleaners from 1955 to 1985 until he retired, but continued to work throughout retirement, finally finishing his working career at Sam's Club from 1995 until 2011. He was a member of Triangle Lodge No. 748 F&AM, 32Â°d degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite Temple Valley of Columbus and the Aladdin Shrine Temple. Leon was also a member of the American Legion and an ardent lifelong Buckeyes fan. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., with the Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. and Masonic Service at 8 p.m. at O. R. WOODYARD CO., 2990 Bethel Road. Funeral services will be conducted at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N High St., on Wednesday, March 26, at 10 am. Interment to follow at Glen Rest Memorial Estate, 8029 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg. Contributions may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Columbus.